A Parent’s Guide to Contact Lenses

This guide can help answer your questions about your child wearing contact lenses.

At What Age Can My Child Begin Wearing Contact Lenses?

There is really no set age to begin wearing contact lenses. If you feel your teen will be able to follow simple hygiene and wearing instructions given by Dr. Sciberras, they are ready for contact lenses. Dr. Sciberras believes most teens with good hygiene and normal ocular health will be able to successfully wear contact lenses. Contact lenses may be the better alternative to wearing spectacles when: high or unequal prescriptions are encountered, vision correction is needed for sporting activities, or when the child has social pressures that are making it difficult to comply with spectacle wear.

Are Contact Lenses Hard to Care For?

Today’s lens materials and cleaning solutions make contact lens care very easy. Disposable lenses are the best choice for today’s busy teens. They eliminate complicated cleaning schedules, improve comfort and are better for ocular health. They are especially valuable for children with allergies or those that want to wear lenses infrequently or for sport related uses. Dr. Sciberras will instruct your child on the correct wearing and replacement schedule and how to properly maintain the lenses.

How Do I Know Which Lens Is Right For My Teen?

After a complete eye exam to determine the health status of your child’s eyes and vision, Dr. Sciberras will recommend the best solution of lenses and care regimen for your child.

Contact Lenses and Sports:

Studies show contact lenses can improve athletic performance by 25%. Soft disposable contact lenses are ideal for athletic use and will not become dislodged during normal sports activities.

What are the costs associated with contact lenses?

Contact lens costs vary, but they are generally equivalent to the cost of glasses. Most medical insurance plans cover contact lens costs. For example, an insurance policy that covers $150 can be used towards the purchase of contact lenses and/or glasses up to the amount of $150. A contact lens training and fitting fee for first time wearers is $55, which includes all associated training sessions, diagnostic lenses, a contact lens case, contact lens solution and up to 2 required follow-up visits.

Are Contact Lenses Really Safe For The Eye?

It is important to remember that contact lenses are medical devices and should never be thought of as simply a cosmetic item. When contact lenses are properly fit, worn and cared for, they are very safe. The odds of a serious eye infection from wearing contact lenses on a daily basis are about 1.5 in two million. Still, it is essential that your child follow Dr. Sciberras’ directions for proper use and care of contact lenses.

Parents and children should read and follow the instructions listed below to ensure eye health and contact lens comfort:

Always wash hands with a mild soap and dry them with a lint-free towel before handling your lenses.

Handle the same lens first each time to avoid confusing the right and left lenses.

Clean, rinse, and disinfect your lenses each time you remove them according to Dr. Sciberras’ instructions.